<PAGE>

                               OFFICE/WAREHOUSE LEASE

   THIS INDENTURE of lease, entered into this 5TH day of SEPTEMBER, 1997, by and
between LUTHERAN BROTHERHOOD, (A MINNESOTA CORPORATION) hereinafter referred to
as "Lessor", and BIT 3 COMPUTER CORPORATION, A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF SBS
TECHNOLOGIES. INC. (A NEW MEXICO CORPORATION) hereinafter referred to as
"Lessee".

DEFINITIONS:

  "Premises" - That certain real property commonly described as OAKVIEW 
BUSINESS CENTER, LOCATED AT 1284 CORPORATE CENTER DRIVE IN THE CITY OF EAGAN, 
COUNTY OF DAKOTA AND STATE OF MINNESOTA containing approximately 85,600 
square feet and legally described on Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a 
part hereof, including all buildings and site improvements located thereon.

  "Building" - Those certain office/warehouse buildings containing approximately
157,428 square feet commonly described as OAKVIEW BUSINESS CENTER I LOCATED AT
1284 CORPORATE CENTER DRIVE AND OAKVIEW BUSINESS CENTER II LOCATED AT 1325
EAGANDALE COURT, BOTH WITHIN THE CITY OF EAGAN, MINNESOTA.

  "Demised Premises" - That certain portion of the Premises located at 1284 
CORPORATE CENTER DRIVE and designated as Bays 200 through    , consisting of 
approximately 39,597 square feet (14,813 square feet office space and 24,784 
square feet of warehouse space), as measured from the outside walls of the 
Demised Premises to the center of the partition wall, as shown on the floor 
plan attached hereto as Exhibit "B" and made a part hereof. The Demised 
Premises include a non-exclusive easement for access to common areas, as 
hereinafter defined, and all licenses and easements appurtenant to the 
Demised Premises.

  "Common Areas" - The term "common area" means the entire areas to be used for
the non-exclusive use by Lessee and other lessees in the Building, including,
but not limited to, corridors, lavatories, driveways, truck docks, parking lots
and landscaped areas. Subject to reasonable rules and regulations promulgated by
Lessor, the common areas are hereby made available to Lessee and its employees,
agents, customers, and invitees for reasonable use in common with other lessees,
their employees, agents, customers and invitees.

WITNESSETH:

TERM:

1.  For and in consideration of the rents, additional rents, terms, provisions
and covenants herein contained, Lessor hereby lets, leases and demises to Lessee
the Demised Premises for the term of 60 months commencing on the FIRST day of
December, 1997 (sometimes called "the Commencement Date"), subject to delays in
delivery of the Demised Premises on account of changes made by Lessee to the
Plans as referenced in Exhibit D of the Lease, and expiring the LAST day of
NOVEMBER, 2002 (sometimes called "Expiration Date"), unless sooner terminated as
hereinafter provided. To the extent the Commencement Date is delayed due to
changes to the plans shown on Exhibit D made by the Lessee, the Lessee agrees to
extend the Expiration Date of the Lease by the same amount of days that the
Commencement Date was delayed, but in any event the Expiration Date shall occur
on the last day of a month.

BASE RENT:

2.  Lessor reserves and Lessee shall pay Lessor, a total rental of ONE 
MILLION ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-SEVEN THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED NINETY-TWO AND 00/100 
Dollars ($1,167,492.00), payable in advance, in equal monthly installments of 
(SEE ARTICLE 42) Dollars ($ SEE ARTICLE 42), commencing on the Commencement 
Date and continuing on the first day of each and every month thereafter for 
the next succeeding months during the balance of the term (sometimes called 
"Base Rent"). In the event the Commencement Date falls on a date other than 
the first of a month the rental for that month shall be prorated and adjusted 
accordingly.

 ADDITIONAL RENT:

3.  Lessee shall pay to Lessor throughout the term of this Lease
the following:

     a.   Lessee shall pay a sum equal to FORTY-SIX AND 26/100 percent (46.26%)
of the Real Estate taxes. The term "Real Estate Taxes" shall mean all real
estate taxes, all assessments and any taxes in lieu thereof which may be levied
upon or assessed against the Premises of which the Demised Premises are a part.
Lessee, in addition to all other payments to Lessor by Lessee required hereunder
shall pay to Lessor, in each year during the term of this Lease and any
extension or renewal thereof, Lessee's proportionate share of such real estate
taxes and assessments paid in the first instance by Lessor.

     Any tax year commencing during any lease year shall be deemed to correspond
to such lease year. In the event the taxing authorities include in such real
estate taxes and assessments the value of any improvements made by Lessee, or of
machinery, equipment, fixtures, inventory or other personal property or assets
of lessee, then Lessee shall pay all the taxes attributable to such items in
addition to its proportionate share of said aforementioned real estate taxes and
assessments. A photostatic copy of the tax statement submitted by Lessor to
Lessee shall be sufficient evidence of the amount of taxes and assessments
assessed or levied against the Premises of which the Demised Premises are a
part.

     b.   A sum equal to TWENTY-FIVE AND 15/100 percent (25.15%) of the annual
aggregate operating expenses incurred by Lessor in the operation, maintenance
and repair of the Building. The term "Operating Expenses" shall include but not
be limited to maintenance, repair, replacement and care of all common area
lighting, common area plumbing, parking and landscaped areas, signs, snow
removal, non-structural repair and maintenance of the exterior of the Building,
insurance premiums, management fee, wages and fringe benefits of personnel
employed for such work, costs of equipment purchased and used for such purposes,
and the cost or portion thereof properly allocable to the Building (amortized
over such reasonable period as Lessor shall determine together with the interest
at the rate of TEN percent (10%) per annum on the unamortized balance) of any
capital improvements made to the Building by Lessor after the Base Year which
result in a reduction of Operating Expenses or made to the Building by Lessor
after the date of this Lease that are required under any governmental law or
regulation that was not applicable to the Building at the time it was
constructed. To the best of Lessor's knowledge, the Demised Premises and
Building comply with all applicable governmental laws (excluding ADA, the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) and further, to the best of Lessor's
knowledge, the structural and exterior components of the Building are in
reasonably good condition. The following are expressly excluded from the term
"Operating Expenses":

     1)   Any charge for depreciation of the Building or Demised Premises or any
          equipment located thereon, and any interest or other financing charge.

     2)   All costs relating to activities for the solicitation and execution of
          leases of space in the Building.

     3)   All costs for which Lessee or any other tenant of the Building is
          being charged other than pursuant to the operating expenses clause set
          forth in this Lease or comparable operating expenses clauses.

     4)   The cost of any repair made by Lessor because of the total or partial
          destruction of the Building or Demised Premises or the condemnation of
          a portion of the Building or Demised Premises.

     5)   The cost of any items for which Lessor is reimbursed by insurance or
          otherwise compensated by parties other than by tenants of the Building
          pursuant to an operating expense clause.

     6)   Any operating expense representing an amount paid to a related
          corporation, entity or person which is in excess of the amount would
          be paid in the absence of such relationship.

     7)   The cost of alterations of space in the Building leased to other
          tenants.

     8)   Any projects Lessor undertakes to make Common Areas of the building
          comply with ADA.
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     c.   The payment of the sums set forth in this Article 3 shall be in
addition to the Base Rent payable pursuant to Article 2 of this Lease. All sums
due hereunder shall be due and payable within thirty (30) days of delivery of
written certification by Lessor setting forth the computation of the amount due
from Lessee. In the event the lease term shall begin or expire at any time
during the calendar year, the Lessee shall be responsible for his pro-rata share
of Additional Rent under subdivisions a. and b. during the Lease and/or
occupancy time.

     Prior to commencement of this Lease and prior to the commencement of each
calendar year thereafter commencing during the term of this Lease or any renewal
or extension thereof, Lessor may estimate for each calendar year (i) the total
amount of Real Estate Taxes; (ii) the total amount of Operating Expenses; (iii)
Lessee's share of Real Estate Taxes for such calendar year; (iv) Lessee's share
of Operating Expenses for such calendar year; and (v) the computation of the
annual and monthly rental payable during such calendar year as a result of
increases or decreases in Lessee's share of Real Estate Taxes, and Operating
Expenses. Said estimates will be in writing and will be delivered or mailed to
Lessee.

     The amount of Lessee's share of Real Estate Taxes, and Operating Expenses
for each calendar year, so estimated, shall be payable as Additional Rent, in
equal monthly installments, in advance, on the first day of each month during
such calendar year at the option of Lessor. In the event that such estimate is
delivered to Lessee before the first day of January of such calendar year, said
amount, so estimated, shall be payable as additional rent in equal monthly
installments, in advance on the first day of each month during such calendar
year. In the event that such estimate is delivered to Lessee after the first day
of January of such calendar year, said amount, so estimated, shall be payable as
additional rent in equal monthly installments, in advance, on the first day of
each month over the balance of such calendar year, with the number of
installments being equal to the number of full calendar months remaining in such
calendar year.

     Upon completion of each calendar year during the term of this Lease or any
renewal or extension thereof, Lessor shall cause its accountants to determine
the actual amount of the Real Estate Taxes, and Operating Expenses payable in
such calendar year and Lessee's share thereof and deliver a written
certification of the amounts thereof to Lessee. If Lessee has underpaid its
share of Real Estate Taxes, or Operating Expenses for such calendar year, Lessee
shall pay the balance of its share of same within ten (10) days after the
receipt of such statement. If Lessee has overpaid its share of Real Estate
Taxes, or Operating Expenses for such calendar year, Lessor shall either (i)
refund such excess, or (ii) credit such excess against the most current monthly
installment or installments due Lessor for its estimate of Lessee's share of
Real Estate Taxes, and Operating Expenses for the next following calendar year.
A prorata adjustment shall be made for a fractional calendar year occurring
during the term of this Lease or any renewal or extension thereof based upon the
number of days of the term of the Lease during said calendar year as compared to
three hundred sixty-five (365) days and all additional sums payable by Lessee
or credits due Lessee as a result of the provisions of this Article 3 shall be
adjusted accordingly.

COVENANT TO PAY RENT:

4.   The covenants of Lessee to pay the Base Rent and the Additional Rent 
are each independent of any other covenant, condition, provision or agreement 
contained in this Lease. All rents are payable to Lessor at:

WELSH COMPANIES, INC.

CM 9660, ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55170-9660

UTILITIES:

5.   Lessor shall provide mains and conduits to supply water, gas, 
electricity and sanitary sewage to the Premises. Lessee shall pay, when due, 
all charges for sewer usage or rental, garbage, disposal, refuse removal, 
water, electricity, gas, fuel oil, L.P. gas, telephone and/or other utility 
services or energy source furnished to the Demised Premises during the term 
of this Lease, or any renewal or extension thereof. If Lessor elects to 
furnish any of the foregoing utility services or other services furnished or 
caused to be furnished to Lessee, then the rate charged by Lessor shall not 
exceed the rate Lessee would be required to pay to a utility company or 
service company furnishing any of the foregoing utilities or services. The 
charges thereof shall be deemed additional rent in accordance with Article 3.

CARE AND REPAIR OF DEMISED PREMISES:

6.   Lessee shall, at all times throughout the term of this Lease, including 
renewals and extensions, and at its sole expense, keep and maintain the 
Demised Premises in a clean, safe, sanitary and reasonably good condition and 
in compliance with all applicable laws, codes, ordinances, rules and 
regulations. Lessee's obligations hereunder shall include but not be limited 
to the maintenance, repair and replacement, if necessary, of heating, air 
conditioning fixtures*, equipment, and systems, all lighting and plumbing 
fixtures and equipment,  fixtures, motors and machinery, all interior walls, 
partitions, doors and windows, including the regular painting thereof, all 
exterior entrances, windows, doors and docks and the replacement of all 
broken glass. When used in this provision, the term "repairs" shall include 
replacements or renewals when necessary, and all such repairs made by the 
Lessee shall be equal in quality and class to the original work. The Lessee 
shall keep and maintain all portions of the Demised Premises and the sidewalk 
and areas adjoining the same in a clean and orderly condition.

     If Lessee fails, refuses or neglects to maintain or repair the Demised
Premises as required in this Lease after notice shall have been given Lessee, in
accordance with Article 33 of this Lease, Lessor may make such repairs without
liability to Lessee for any loss or damage that may accrue to Lessee's
merchandise, fixtures or other property or to Lessee's business by reason
thereof, and upon completion thereof, Lessee shall pay to Lessor all costs plus
15% for overhead incurred by Lessor in making such repairs upon presentation to
Lessee of bill therefor.

     Lessor shall repair, at its expense, the structural portions of the
Building, provided however where structural repairs are required to be made by
reason of the acts of Lessee, the costs thereof shall be borne by Lessee and
payable by Lessee to Lessor upon demand.

     The Lessor shall be responsible for all outside maintenance of the 
Demised Premises, including grounds and parking areas. All such maintenance 
which is the responsibility of the Lessor shall be provided as reasonably 
necessary to the comfortable use and occupancy of Demised Premises during 
business hours, except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, upon the condition 
that the Lessor shall not be liable for damages for failure to do so due to 
causes beyond its control.

     If Lessor fails, refuses or neglects to perform outside maintenance of the
Demised Premises as required in this Lease after notice shall have been given to
Lessor in accordance with Article 33 of this Lease, Lessee may perform such
maintenance without liability to Lessor for any loss or damage that may accrue
by reason thereof (excepting gross negligence and willful misconduct of Lessee),
and upon completion thereof, Lessor shall pay to Lessee all reasonable costs
plus 10% for overhead incurred by Lessee in performing such maintenance upon
presentation to Lessor of a bill therefor.

     * The Lessor will be responsible for a semi-annual inspection and 
servicing of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) components 
as part of the Operating Expenses for the Building. The Lessee will be 
responsible for repairs and replacements outside of Lessor's semi-annual 
preventative maintenance. Lessor will also service and certify the existing 
HVAC components are in good working condition as of the Commencement of the 
Lease. The Lessor will be responsible for any repairs or replacements of any 
faulty HVAC components through June 30, 1998.

SIGNS:

7.   Any sign, lettering, picture, notice or advertisement installed on or 
in any part of the Premises and visible from the exterior of the Building, or 
visible from exterior of the Demised Premises, shall be approved and 
installed by Lessor at Lessee's expense. In the event of a violation of the 
foregoing by Lessee, Lessor may remove the same without any liability and may 
charge the expense incurred by such removal to Lessee.

ALTERATIONS, INSTALLATION, FIXTURES:

8.   Except as hereinafter provided, Lessee shall not make any alteration, 
additions, or improvements in or to the Demised Premises or add, disturb or 
in any way change any plumbing or wiring therein without the prior written 
consent of the Lessor. In the event alterations are required by any 
governmental agency by reason of the use and occupancy of the Demised 
Premises by Lessee, Lessee shall make such alterations at its own cost and 
expense after first obtaining Lessor's approval of plans and specifications 
therefor and furnishing such indemnification as Lessor may reasonably require 
against liens, costs, damages and expenses arising out of such alterations. 
Alterations or additions by Lessee must be built in compliance with all laws, 
ordinances and governmental regulations affecting the Premises and Lessee 
shall warrant to Lessor that all such alterations, additions, or improvements 
shall be in strict compliance with all relevant laws, ordinances, 
governmental regulations, and insurance requirements. Construction of such 
alterations or additions shall commence only upon Lessee obtaining and 
exhibiting to Lessor the requisite approvals, licenses and permits and 
indemnification against liens. All alterations, installations, physical 
additions or improvements to the Demised Premises made by Lessee shall at 
once become the property of Lessor and shall be surrendered to Lessor upon 
the termination of this Lease; provided, however, this clause shall not apply 
to movable equipment, trade fixtures or furniture owned by

<PAGE>

Lessee which may be removed by Lessee at the end of the term of this lease if
Lessee is not then in default.

POSSESSION:

9.   Except as hereinafter provided lessor shall deliver possession of the 
Demised Premises to Lessee in the condition required by Article 43 of this 
Lease on or before November 1, 1997 (the "Delivery Date") for the purpose of 
installing and moving in Lessee's equipment and trade fixtures within the 
Demised Premises ("Lessee's Work"). Lessee shall have a period of one full 
calendar month beginning on the Delivery Date within which to complete 
Lessee's Work ("Lessee's Work Period"), but delivery of possession prior to 
or later than such Delivery Date shall postpone the Expiration Date by an 
equal number of days. If, for example, the Delivery Date falls on November 3, 
1997, Lessee's Work Period shall end on December 31, 1997. The Commencement 
Date and the rentals herein reserved shall commence on the later of the first 
day of the month following the end of Lessee's Work Period, or December 1, 
1997. Any occupancy of the Demised Premises by Lessee prior to the beginning 
of the term shall in all respects be the same as that of a Lessee under this 
Lease, except that Lessee shall have no obligation to pay rent prior to the 
Commencement Date. Lessor shall have no responsibility or liability for loss 
or damages to fixtures, facilities or equipment or installed or left on the 
Demised Premises.

SECURITY AND DAMAGE DEPOSIT:

10.    INTENTIONALLY DELETED

USE:

11.    The Demised Premises shall be used and occupied by Lessee solely for 
the purposes of office, warehouse, distribution and manufacturing so long as 
such use is in compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances and 
governmental regulations affecting the Building and Premises. The Demised 
Premises shall not be used in such manner that, in accordance with any 
requirement of law or of any public authority, Lessor shall be obliged on 
account of the purpose or manner of said use to make any addition or 
alteration to or in the Building. The Demised Premises shall not be used in 
any manner which will increase the rates required to be paid for public 
liability or for fire and extended coverage insurance covering the Premises. 
Lessee shall occupy the Demised Premises, conduct its business and control 
its agents, employees, invitees and visitors in such a way as is lawful, and 
reputable and will not permit or create any nuisance, noise, odor, or 
otherwise interfere with, annoy or disturb any other tenant in the Building 
in its normal business operations or Lessor in its management of the 
Building. Lessee's use of the Demised Premises shall conform to all the 
Lessor's rules and regulations as shown on Exhibit C to the Lease relating to 
the use of the Premises. Outside storage on the Premises of any type of 
equipment, property or materials owned or used on the Premise by Lessee or 
its customers and suppliers shall not be permitted.

ACCESS TO DEMISED PREMISES:

12.    The Lessee agrees to permit the Lessor and the authorized
representatives of the Lessor to enter the Demised Premises upon at least
twenty-four (24) hours notice to Lessee, except in the event of an emergency,
during usual business hours for the purpose of inspecting the same and making
any necessary repairs to the Demised Premises and performing any work therein
that may be necessary to comply with any laws, ordinances, rules, regulations
or requirements of any public authority or of the Board of Fire Underwriters
or any similar body or that the Lessor may deem necessary to prevent waste or
deterioration in connection with the Demised Premises. Nothing herein shall
imply any duty upon the part of the Lessor to do any such work which, under
any provision of this Lease, the Lessee may be required to perform and the
performance thereof by the Lessor shall not constitute a waiver of the
Lessee's default in failing to perform the same. The Lessor may, during the
progress of any work in the Demised Premises, keep and store upon the Demised
Premises all necessary materials, tools and equipment. The Lessor shall not
in any event be liable for reasonable inconvenience, annoyance, disturbance,
loss of business, or other damage of the Lessee by reason of making repairs
or the performance of any work in the Demised Premises, or on account of
bringing materials, supplies and equipment into or through the Demised
Premises during the course thereof and the obligations of the Lessee under
this Lease shall not thereby be affected in any manner whatsoever.

 Lessor reserves the right to enter upon the Demised Premises at any time in 
the event of an emergency and at reasonable hours to exhibit the Demised 
Premises to prospective purchasers or others; and upon at least twenty-four 
(24) hours prior notice to Lessee to exhibit the Demised Premises to 
prospective Lessees and to the display "For Lease" or similar signs on 
windows or doors in the Demised Premises during the last NINETY (90) days of 
the term of this Lease, all without hindrance or molestation by Lessee.

EMINENT DOMAIN:

13.    In the event of any eminent domain or condemnation proceeding or
private sale in lieu thereof in respect to the Premises during the term
thereof, the following provisions shall apply:

       a.   If the whole of the Premises shall be acquired or condemned by
eminent domain for any public or quasi-public use or purpose, then the term
of this Lease shall cease and terminate as of the date possession shall be
taken in such proceeding and all rentals shall be paid up to that date.

       b.   If any part constituting less than the whole of the Premises
shall be acquired or condemned as aforesaid, and in the event that such
partial taking or condemnation shall materially affect the Demised Premises
so as to render the Demised Premises unsuitable for the business of the
Lessee, in the reasonable opinion of Lessor, then the term of this Lease
shall cease and terminate as of the date possession shall be taken by the
condemning authority and rent shall be paid to the date of such termination.

       In the event of a partial taking or condemnation of the Premises which
shall not materially affect the Demised Premises so as to render the Demised
Premises unsuitable for the business of the Lessee, in the reasonable opinion
of the Lessor, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect but with a
proportionate abatement of the Base Rent and Additional Rent based on the
portion, if any, of the Demised Premises taken. Lessor reserves the right, at
its option, to restore the Building and the Demised Premises to substantially
the same condition as they were prior to such condemnation. In such event,
Lessor shall give written notice to Lessee, within thirty (30) days following
the date possession shall be taken by the condemning authority, of Lessor's
intention to restore.  Upon Lessor's notice of election to restore, Lessor
shall commence restoration and shall restore the Building and the Demised
Premises with reasonable promptness, subject to delays beyond Lessor's
control and delays in the making of condemnation or sale proceeds adjustments
by Lessor; and Lessee shall have no right to terminate this Lease except as
herein provided. Upon completion of such restoration, the rent shall be
adjusted based upon the portion, if any, of the Demised Premises restored.

       c.   In the event of any condemnation or taking as aforesaid, whether
whole or partial, the Lessee shall not be entitled to any part of the award
paid for such condemnation and Lessor is to receive the full amount of such
award, the Lessee hereby expressly waiving any right to claim to any part
thereof.

       d.   Although all damages in the event of any condemnation shall
belong to the Lessor whether such damages are awarded as compensation for
diminution in value of the leasehold or to the fee of the Demised Premises,
Lessee shall have the right to claim and recover from the condemning
authority, but not from Lessor, such compensation as may be separately
awarded or recoverable by Lessee in Lessee's own right on account of any and
all damage to Lessee's business by reason of the condemnation and for or on
account of any cost or loss to which Lessee might be put in removing Lessee's
merchandise, furniture, fixtures, leasehold improvements and equipment.
However, Lessee shall have no claim against Lessor or make any claim with the
condemning authority for the loss of its leasehold estate, any unexpired term
or loss of any possible renewal or extension of said lease or loss of any
possible value of said lease, any unexpired term renewal or extension of said
Lease.

DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION:

14.    In the event of any damage or destruction to the Premises by fire or
other cause during the term hereof, the following provisions shall apply:

       a.   If the Building is damaged by fire or any other cause to such
extent that the cost of restoration will equal or exceed thirty percent (30%)
of the replacement value of the Building (exclusive of foundations) just
prior to the occurrence of the damage, then Lessor or Lessee may, no later
than the sixtieth (60th) day following the damage, give written notice to the
other of its election to terminate this Lease.

       b.   INTENTIONALLY DELETED

       c.   If the cost of restoration shall amount to less than thirty
percent (30%) of said replacement value of the Building, or if, despite the
cost, neither Lessor nor Lessee has elected to terminate this Lease, Lessor
shall restore the Building and the Demised Premises with reasonable
promptness, subject to delays beyond Lessor's control and delays in the
making of insurance adjustments by Lessor; and Lessor shall not be
responsible for restoring or repairing leasehold improvements of the Lessee.

       d.   In the event of either of the elections to terminate, this Lease
shall be deemed to terminate on the date of the receipt of the notice of
election and all rents shall be paid up to that date. Lessee shall have no
claim against Lessor for the value of any unexpired term of this Lease.

       e.   In any case where damage to the Building shall materially affect
the Demised Premises so as to render them unsuitable in whole or in part for
the purposes for which they are demised hereunder, then, unless such
destruction was wholly or partially caused by the negligence or breach of the
terms of this Lease by Lessee, its employees, contractors or licensees, a
portion of the

<PAGE>

rent based upon the amount of the extent which the Demised Premises are 
rendered unsuitable shall be abated until repaired or restored. If the 
destruction or damage was wholly or partially caused by negligence or breach 
of the terms of this Lease by Lessee as aforesaid and if Lessor shall elect 
to rebuild, the rent shall not abate and the Lessee shall remain liable for 
the same.

CASUALTY INSURANCE:

15.    a.   Lessor shall at all times during the term of this Lease, at its
expense, maintain a policy or policies of insurance with premiums paid in
advance issued by an insurance company licensed to do business in the State
of Minnesota insuring the Building against loss or damage by fire, explosion
or other insurance hazards and contingencies for the full replacement value,
provided that Lessor shall not be obligated to insure any furniture,
equipment, machinery, goods or supplies not covered by this Lease which
Lessee may bring upon the Demised Premises or any additional improvements
which Lessee may construct or install on the Demised Premises.

       b.   Lessee shall not carry any stock of goods or do anything in or
about the Demised Premises which will in any way impair or invalidate the
obligation of the insurer under any policy of insurance required by this
Lease.

       c.   Lessor hereby waives and releases all claims, liability and
causes of action against Lessee and its agents, servants and employees for
loss or damage to, or destruction of, the Premises or any portion thereof,
including the buildings and other improvements situated thereon, resulting
from fire, explosion and other perils included in standard extended coverage
insurance, whether caused by the negligence of any of said persons or
otherwise. Likewise, Lessee hereby waives and releases all claims,
liabilities and causes of action against Lessor and its agents, servants and
employees for loss or damage to, or destruction of, any of the improvements,
fixtures, equipment, supplies, merchandise and other property, whether that
of Lessee or of others in, upon or about the Premises resulting from fire,
explosion or the other perils included in standard extended coverage
insurance, whether caused by the negligence of any of said persons or
otherwise. The waiver shall remain in force whether or not the Lessee's
insurer shall consent thereto.

       d.   In the event that the use of the Demised Premises by Lessee
increases the premium rate for insurance carried by Lessor on the
improvements of which the Demised Premises are a part, Lessee shall pay
Lessor, upon demand, the amount of such premium increase. If Lessee installs
any electrical equipment that overloads the power lines to the building or
its wiring, Lessee shall, at its own expense, make whatever changes are
necessary to comply with the requirements of the insurance underwriter,
insurance rating bureau and governmental authorities having jurisdiction.

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE:

16.    Lessee shall during the term hereof, keep in full force and effect at 
its expense a policy or policies of public liability insurance with respect 
to the Demised Premises and the business of Lessee, on terms with companies 
approved in writing by Lessor, in which both Lessee and Lessor shall be 
covered by being named as insured parties under reasonable limits of 
liability not less than: $500,000 for injury/death to any one person; 
$1,000,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $500,000 with 
respect to damage to property. Such policy or policies shall provide that ten 
(10) days written notice must be given to Lessor prior to cancellation 
thereof. Lessee shall furnish evidence satisfactory to Lessor at the time 
this Lease is executed that such coverage is in full force and effect.

DEFAULT OF LESSEE:

17.    a.   In the event of any failure of Lessee to pay any rental due
hereunder within ten (10) days after the same shall be due, or any failure to
perform any other of the terms, conditions or covenants of this Lease to be
observed or performed by Lessee for more than thirty (30) days after written
notice of such failure shall have been given to Lessee, or if Lessee or an
agent of Lessee shall falsify any report required to be furnished to Lessor
pursuant to the terms of this Lease, or if Lessee or any guarantor of this
Lease shall become bankrupt or insolvent, or file any debtor proceedings or
any person shall take or have against Lessee or any guarantor of this Lease
in any court pursuant to any statute either of the United States or of any
state a petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or for reorganization or for the
appointment of a receiver or trustee of all or a portion of Lessee's or any
such guarantor's property, or if Lessee or any such guarantor makes an
assignment for the benefit of creditors, or petitions for or enters into an
arrangement, or if Lessee shall abandon the Demised Premises or suffer this
Lease to be taken under any writ of execution, then in any such event Lessee
shall be in default hereunder, and Lessor, in addition to their rights or
remedies it may have, shall have the immediate right of re-entry and may
remove all persons and property from the Demised Premises and such property
may be removed and stored in a public warehouse or elsewhere at the cost of,
and for the account of Lessee, as provided in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 566.

       b.   Should Lessor elect to re-enter the Demises Premises, as herein
provided, or should it take possession of the Demised Premises pursuant to
legal proceedings or pursuant to any notice provided for by law, it may
either terminate this Lease or it may from time to time, without terminating
this Lease, make such alterations and repairs as may be necessary in order to
relet the Demised Premises, and relet the Demised Premises or any part
thereof upon such term or terms (which may be for a term extending beyond the
term of this Lease) and at such rental or rentals and upon such other terms
and conditions as Lessor in its sole discretion may deem advisable. Upon each
such reletting all rentals received by the Lessor from such reletting shall
be applied first to the payment of any indebtedness other than rent due
hereunder from Lessee to Lessor; second, to the payment of any costs and
expenses of such reletting, including brokerage fees and attorney's fees and
costs of such alterations and repairs; third, to the payment of the rent due
and unpaid payment of future rent as the same may become due and payable
hereunder. If such rentals received from such reletting during any month be
less than that to be paid during that month by Lessee hereunder, Lessee, upon
demand, shall pay any such deficiency to Lessor. No such re-entry or taking
possession of the Demised Premises by Lessor shall be construed as an
election on its part to terminate this Lease unless a written notice of such
intention be given to Lessee or unless the termination thereof be decreed by
a court of competent jurisdiction. Notwithstanding any such reletting without
termination, Lessor may at any time after such re-entry and reletting elect
to terminate this Lease for any such breach, in addition to any other
remedies it may have, it may recover from Lessee all damages it may incur by
reason of such breach, including the cost of recovering the Demised Premises,
reasonable attorney's fees, and including the worth at the time of such
termination of the excess, if any, of the amount of rent and charges
equivalent to rent reserved in this Lease for the remainder of the stated
term over the then reasonable rental value of the Demised Premises for the
remainder of the stated term, all of which amounts shall be immediately due
and payable from Lessee to Lessor.

       c.   Lessor may, at its option, instead of exercising any other rights or
remedies available to it in this Lease or otherwise by law, statute or equity,
spend such money as is reasonably necessary to cure any default of Lessee herein
and the amount so spent, and costs incurred, including attorney's fees in curing
such default, shall be paid by Lessee, as additional rent, upon demand.

       d.   In the event suit shall be brought for recovery of possession of the
Demised Premises, for the recovery of rent or any other amount due under the
provisions of this Lease, or because of the breach of any other covenant herein
contained on the part of Lessee to be kept or performed, and a breach shall be
established, Lessee shall pay to Lessor all expenses incurred therefor,
including a reasonable attorney's fee, together with interest on all such
expenses at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date of such breach
of the covenants of this Lease.

       e.   INTENTIONALLY DELETED

       f.   No remedy herein or elsewhere in this Lease or otherwise by law,
statute or equity, conferred upon or reserved to Lessor or Lessee shall be
exclusive of any other remedy, but shall be cumulative, and may be exercised
from time to time and as often as the occasion may arise.

17.1   In the event of any failure of Lessor to perform any of the terms,
conditions or covenants of this Lease to be observed or performed by Lessor for
more than thirty (30) days after written notice of such failure shall have been
given to Lessor, then in any event, Lessor shall be in default hereunder, and
Lessee may, in addition to exercising any other rights or remedies available to
it in this Lease or otherwise by law, statute or equity, spend such money as is
reasonably necessary to cure any default of Lessor herein and the amount so
spent, and costs incurred, including attorneys fees in curing such default,
shall be paid by Lessor to Lessee upon written demand. Upon completion of any
such work by Lessee and payment by Lessor of the same, Lessor shall be deemed to
have cured such default.

COVENANTS TO HOLD HARMLESS:

18.    Unless the liability for damage or loss is caused by the gross
negligence or intentional act of Lessor, its agents or employees, Lessee
shall hold harmless Lessor from any liability for damages to any person or
property in or upon the Building or Demised Premises, and to the person and
the property of Lessee and its employees and all other persons in the
Building at its or their invitation or sufferance, and from all damages
resulting from Lessee's failure to perform the covenants of this Lease. All
property kept, maintained or stored on the Demised Premises shall be so kept,
maintained or stored at the sole risk of Lessee. Lessee agrees to pay all
sums of money in respect of any labor, service, materials, supplies or
equipment furnished or alleged to have been furnished to Lessee in or about
the Premises, and not furnished on order of Lessor, which may be secured by
any Mechanic's Materialmen's or other lien to be discharged at the time
performance of any obligation secured thereby matures, provided

<PAGE>

that Lessee may contest such lien, but if such lien is reduced to final
judgment and if such judgment or process thereon is not stayed, or if stayed
and said stay expires, then and in each such event, Lessee shall forthwith
pay and discharge said judgment.  Lessor shall have the right to post and
maintain on the Demised Premises, notices of non-responsibility under the
laws of the State of Minnesota.

NON-LIABILITY:

19.    Subject to the terms and conditions of Article 14 hereof, Lessor 
shall not be liable for damage to any property of Lessee or of others located 
on the Premises, nor for the loss of or damage to any property of Lessee or 
of others by theft or otherwise. Lessor shall not be liable for any injury or 
damage to persons or property resulting from fire, explosion, any injury or 
damage to persons or property resulting from fire, explosion, falling 
plaster, steam, gas, electricity, water, rain or snow or leaks from any part 
of the Premises or from the pipes, appliances, or plumbing works or from the 
roof, street or subsurface or from any other place or by dampness or by any 
such damage caused by other Lessees or persons in the Premises, occupants of 
adjacent property, of the buildings, or the public or caused by operations in 
construction of any private, public or quasi-public work. Lessor shall not be 
liable for any latent defect in the Demised Premises. All property of Lessee 
kept or stored on the Demised Premises shall be so kept or stored at the risk 
of Lessee only and Lessee shall hold Lessor harmless from any claims arising 
out of damage to the same, including subrogation claims by Lessee's insurance 
carrier.

SUBORDINATION:

20.    This Lease shall be subordinated to any mortgages that may not exist 
or that may hereafter be placed upon the Demised Premises and to any and all 
advances made thereunder, and to the interest upon the indebtedness evidenced 
by such mortgages, and to all renewals, replacements and extensions thereof. 
In the event of execution by Lessor after the date of this Lease of any such 
mortgage, renewal, replacement or extension, Lessee agrees to execute a 
subordination agreement with the holder thereof which agreement shall provide 
that:

       a.   Such holder shall not disturb the possession and other rights of
Lessee under this Lease so long as Lessee is not in default hereunder,

       b.   In the event of acquisition of title to the Demised Premises by such
holder, such holder shall accept the Lessee as Lessee of the Demised Premises
under the terms and conditions of this Lease and shall perform all the
obligations of Lessor hereunder, and

       c.   The Lessee shall recognize such holder as Lessor hereunder.

     Lessee shall, upon receipt of a request from Lessor therefor, execute and
deliver to Lessor or to any proposed holder of a mortgage or trust deed or to 
any proposed purchaser of the Premises, a certificate in recordable form, 
certifying that this Lease is in full force and effect, and that there are no 
offsets against rent nor defenses to Lessee's performance under this Lease, 
or setting forth any such offsets or defenses claimed by Lessee as the case 
may be.

ASSIGNMENT OR SUBLETTING: See Article 47

21.    Lessee agrees to use and occupy the Demised Premises throughout the 
entire term hereof for the purpose of purposes herein specified and for no 
other purposes, in the manner and to substantially the extent now intended, 
and not to transfer or assign this Lease or sublet said Demised Premises, or 
any part thereof, whether by voluntary act, operation of law, or otherwise, 
without obtaining the prior written consent of Lessor in each instance. 
Lessee shall seek such consent of Lessor by a written request therefor, 
setting forth such information as Lessor may deem necessary. Lessor agrees 
not to withhold consent unreasonably. Consent by Lessor to any assignment of 
this Lease or to any subletting of the Demised Premises shall not be a waiver 
of Lessor's rights under this Article as to any subsequent assignment or 
subletting. Lessor's rights to assign this Lease are and shall remain 
unqualified. No such assignment or subleasing shall relieve the Lessee from 
any of Lessee's obligations in this Lease contained, nor shall any assignment 
or sublease or other transfer of this Lease be effective unless the assignee, 
sublessee or transferee shall at the time of such assignment, sublease or 
transfer, assume in writing for the benefit of Lessor, its successors or 
assigns, all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease thereafter 
to be performed by Lessee and shall agree in writing to be bound thereby.

ATTORNMENT:

22.    In the event of a sale or assignment of Lessor's interest, in the
Premises, or the Building in which the Demised Premises are located, or this
Lease, or if the Premises come into custody or possession of a mortgagee or
any other party whether because of a mortgage foreclosure, or otherwise,
Lessee shall attorn to such assignee or other party and recognize such party
as Lessor hereunder; provided, however, Lessee's peaceable possession will
not be disturbed so long as Lessee faithfully performs its obligations under
this Lease. Lessee shall execute, on demand, any attornment agreement
required by any such party to be executed, containing such provisions and
such other provisions as such party may require.

NOVATION IN THE EVENT OF SALE:

23.    In the event of the sale of the Demised Premises, Lessor shall be and
hereby is relieved of all of the covenants and obligations created hereby
accruing from and after the date of sale, and such sale shall result
automatically in the purchaser assuming and agreeing to carry out all the
covenants and obligations of Lessor herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing
provisions of this Article, Lessor, in the event of a sale of the Demised
Premises, shall cause to be included in this agreement of sale and purchase a
covenant whereby the purchase of the Demised Premises assumes and agrees to
carry out all of the covenants and obligations of Lessor herein.

       The Lessee agrees at any time and from time to time upon not less than
ten (10) days prior written request by the Lessor to execute, acknowledge and
deliver to the Lessor a statement in writing certifying that this Lease is
unmodified and in full force and effect as modified and stating the
modifications, and the dates to which the basic rent and other charges have
been paid in advance, if any, it being intended that any such statement
delivered pursuant to this paragraph may be relied upon by any prospective
purchaser of the fee or mortgagee or assignee of any mortgage upon the fee of
the Demised Premises.

SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS:

24.    The terms, covenants and conditions hereof shall be binding upon and
inure to the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

REMOVAL OF FIXTURES:

25.    INTENTIONALLY DELETED

QUIET ENJOYMENT:

26.    Lessor warrants that it has full right to execute and to perform this 
Lease and to grant the estate demised, and that Lessee, upon payment of the 
rents and other amounts due and the performance of all the terms, conditions, 
covenant and agreements on Lessee's part to be observed and performed under 
this Lease, may peaceably and quietly enjoy the Demised Premises for the 
business uses permitted hereunder, subject, nevertheless, to the terms and 
conditions of this Lease.

RECORDING:

27.    Lessee shall not record this Lease without the written consent of 
Lessor. However, upon the request of either party hereto, the other party 
shall join in the execution of the Memorandum lease for the purposes of 
recordation. Said Memorandum lease shall describe the parties, the Demised 
Premises and the term of the Lease and shall incorporate this Lease by 
reference. This Article 27 shall not be construed to limit Lessor's right to 
file this Lease under Article 22 of this Lease.

OVERDUE PAYMENTS:

28.    All monies due under this Lease from Lessee to Lessor shall be due on 
demand, unless otherwise specified and if not paid within ten (10) days of 
when due, shall result in the imposition of a service charge for such late 
payment in the amount of five percent (5%) of the amount due.

SURRENDER:

29.    On the Expiration Date or upon the termination hereof upon a day 
other than the Expiration Date, Lessee shall peaceably surrender the  Demised 
Premises broom-clean in good order, condition and repair, reasonable wear and 
tear only excepted. On or before the Expiration Date or upon termination of 
this Lease on a day other than the Expiration Date, Lessee shall, at its 
expense, remove all trade fixtures, personal property and equipment and signs 
from the Demised Premises and any property not removed shall be deemed to 
have been abandoned. Any damage caused in the removal of such items shall be 
repaired by Lessee and at its expense. All alterations, additions, 
improvements and fixtures (other than trade fixtures) which shall have been 
made or installed by Lessor or Lessee upon the Demised Premises and all floor 
covering so installed shall remain upon and be surrendered with the Demised 
Premises as a part thereof, without disturbance, molestation or injury, and 
without charge, at the expiration of termination of this Lease. If the 
Demised Premises are not surrendered on the Expiration Date or the date of 
termination,

<PAGE>

Lessee shall indemnify Lessor against loss or liability, claims, without
limitation, made by any succeeding Lessee founded on such delay. Lessee shall
promptly surrender all keys for the Demised Premises to Lessor at the place then
fixed for payment of rent and shall inform Lessor of combinations of any locks
and safes on the Demised Premises.

HOLDING OVER:

30.    In the event of a holding over by Lessee after expiration or 
termination of this Lease without the consent in writing of Lessor, Lessee 
shall be deemed a Lessee at sufferance and shall pay rent for such occupancy 
at the rate of one hundred fifty (150%) percent of the last-current aggregate 
Base and Additional Rent, prorated for the entire holdover period, plus all 
attorney's fees and expenses incurred by Lessor in enforcing its rights 
hereunder, plus any other damages occasioned by such holding over. Except as 
otherwise agreed, any holding over with the written consent of Lessor shall 
constitute Lessee a month-to-month lessee.

ABANDONMENT:

31.    In the event Lessee shall remove its fixtures, equipment or machinery or
shall vacate the Demised Premises or any part thereof prior to the Expiration
Date of this Lease, or shall discontinue or suspend the operation of its
business conducted on the Demised Premises for a period of more than thirty (30)
consecutive days (except during any time when the Demised Premises may be
rendered untenantable by reason of fire or other casualty), and the Lessee has
simultaneously defaulted on any other terms of the Lease, then in any such event
Lessee shall be deemed to have abandoned the Demised Premises and Lessee shall
be in default under the terms of this Lease.

CONSENTS BY LESSOR:

32.    Whenever provision is made under this Lease for Lessee securing the 
consent or approval by Lessor, such consent or approval shall only be in 
writing.

NOTICES:

33.    Any notice required or permitted under this Lease shall be deemed
sufficiently given or secured if sent by registered or certified return receipt
mail to Lessee at 1284 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 200, Eagan, MN 55121

with a copy to:
       Bit 3 Computer Corporation
       c/o SBS Technologies, Inc.
       2400 Louisiana Boulevard NE
       AFC Building
       Albuquerque NM 87110-4316
       ATTN: Jim Dixon (or current CFO)

and:
       Bit 3 Computer Corporation
       c/o SBS Technologies, Inc.
       2265 Camino Vida Roble
       Carlsbad CA 92009
       ATTN: Steve Cooper (or current President)

and to Lessor at:
       Lutheran Brotherhood
       625 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1400
       Minneapolis, MN 55415
       Attn: R.E. Asset Management

and either party may by like written notice at any time designate a different
address to which notices shall subsequently be sent or rent to be paid.

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

34.    Lessee shall observe and comply with the rules and regulations as set 
forth in Exhibit C, on written notice to Lessee for the safety, care and 
cleanliness of the Building.

INTENT OF PARTIES:

35.    Except as otherwise provided herein, the Lessee covenants and agrees 
that if it shall any time fail to pay any such cost or expense, or fail to 
take out, pay for, maintain or deliver any of the insurance policies above 
required, or fail to make any other payment or perform any other act on its 
part to be made or performed as in this Lease provided, then the Lessor may, 
but shall not be obligated so to do, and without notice to or demand upon the 
Lessee and without waiving or releasing the Lessee from any obligations of 
the Lessee in this Lease contained, pay any such cost or expense, effect any 
such insurance coverage and pay premiums therefor, and may make any other 
payment or perform any other act on the part of the Lessee to be made and 
performed as in this Lease provided, in such manner and to such extent as the 
Lessor may deem desirable, and in exercising any such right, to also pay all 
necessary and incidental costs and expenses, employ counsel and incur and pay 
reasonable attorneys' fees. All sums so paid by Lessor and all necessary and 
incidental costs and expenses in connection with the performance of any such 
act by the Lessor, together with interest thereon at the rate of ten percent 
(10%) per annum from the date of making of such expenditure, by Lessor, shall 
be deemed additional rent hereunder, and shall be payable to Lessor on 
demand. Lessee covenants to pay any such sum or sums with interest as 
aforesaid and the Lessor shall have the same rights and remedies in the event 
of the nonpayment thereof by Lessee as in the case of default by Lessee in 
the payment of the Base Rent payable under this Lease.

GENERAL:

36.    The Lease does not create the relationship of principal agent or of
partnership or of joint venture or of any association between Lessor and Lessee,
the sole relationship between the parties hereto being that of Lessor and
Lessee.

        No waiver of any default of Lessee hereunder shall be implied from 
any omission by Lessor to take any action on account of such default if such 
default persists or is repeated, and no express waiver shall affect any 
default other than the default specified in the express waiver and that only 
for the time and to the extent therein stated. One or more waivers by Lessor 
shall not then be construed as a waiver of a subsequent breach of the same 
covenant, term or condition. The consent to or approval by Lessor of any act 
by Lessee requiring Lessor's consent or approval shall not waive or render 
unnecessary Lessor's consent to or approval of any subsequent similar act by 
Lessee shall be construed to be both a covenant and a condition. No action 
required or permitted to be taken by or on behalf of Lessor under the terms 
or provisions of this Lease shall be deemed to constitute an eviction or 
disturbance of Lessee's possession of the Demised Premises. All preliminary 
negotiations are merged into and incorporated in this Lease. The laws of the 
State of Minnesota shall govern the validity, performance and enforcement of 
this Lease.

        a.  This Lease and the exhibits, if any, attached hereto and forming 
a part hereof, constitute the entire agreement between Lessor and Lessee 
affecting the Demised Premises and there are no other agreements, subsequent 
alteration, amendment, change or addition to this Lease shall be binding upon 
Lessor or Lessee unless reduced to writing and executed in the same form and 
manner in which this Lease is executed.

        b. If any agreement, covenant or condition of this Lease or the 
application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be 
invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Lease, or the application of 
such agreement, covenant or condition to persons or circumstances other than 
those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected 
thereby and each agreement, covenant or condition of this Lease shall be 
valid and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL: See Article 48

37.    a.   The Demised Premises hereby leased shall be used by and/or at the
sufferance of Lessee only for the purpose set forth in Article 11 above and for
no other purposes. Lessee shall not use or permit the use of the Demised
Premises in any manner that will tend to create waste or a nuisance, or will
tend to unreasonably disturb other Lessees in the Building or the Premises.
Lessee, its employees and all person visiting or doing business with Lessee in
the Demised Premises shall be bound by and shall observe the reasonable rules
and regulations made by Lessor relating to the Demised Premises, the Building or
the Premises of which notice in writing shall be given to the Lessee, and all
such rules and regulations shall be deemed to be incorporated into and form a
part of this Lease.

        b.   Lessee covenants through the Lease Term, at Lessee's sole cost 
and expense, promptly to comply with all laws and ordinances and the orders, 
rules and regulations and requirements of all federal, state and municipal 
governments and appropriate departments, commission, boards, and officers 
thereof, and the orders, rules and regulations of the Board of Fire 
Underwriters where the Demised Premises are situated, or any other body now 
or hereafter as well as extraordinary, and whether or not the same require 
structural repairs or alterations, which may be applicable to the Demised 
Premises, or the use or manner of use of the Demised Premises. Lessee will 
likewise observe and comply with the requirements of all policies of public 
liability, fire and all other policies of insurance at any time in force with 
respect to the building and improvements on the Demised Premises and the 
equipment thereof.

CAPTIONS:

38. The captions are inserted only as a matter of convenience and for 
reference, and in no way define, limit or describe the scope of this Lease 
nor the intent or any provision thereof.

<PAGE>

ATTACHMENTS:

39.    See also rider attached hereto and made a part hereof containing 
articles 42 through 49 inclusive as well as Exhibits A through F, inclusive, 
which Exhibits are attached hereto and made a part hereof.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

       Exhibit        Description
       -------        -----------
       <S>            <C>
       Exhibit A      Legal Description
       Exhibit B      Demised Premises
       Exhibit C      Building Rules and Regulations
       Exhibit D      Improvements
       Exhibit E      Sign Criteria
       Exhibit F      Guarantee of Lease
</TABLE>


SUBMISSION:

40.  Submission of this instrument to Lessee or proposed Lessee or his 
agents or attorneys for examination, review, consideration or signature does 
not constitute or imply an offer to lease reservation of space, or option to 
lease, and this instrument shall have no binding legal effect until execution 
hereof by both Lessor/Owner and Lessee or its agents.

REPRESENTATION:

41.  It is agreed and understood that Brian Doyle and Todd McGinley, agent 
or broker with Welsh Companies, Inc. is representing Lutheran Brotherhood, 
Lessor, and Scott Frederiksen, agent or broker with Welsh Companies, Inc., is 
representing Bit 3 Computer Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of SBS 
Technologies, Inc., Lessee.

<PAGE>

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Lessor and the Lessee have caused these presents to be
executed in form and manner sufficient to bind them at law, as of the day and
year first above written.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Lessee:                                                Lessor:
<S>                                                    <C>
Bit 3 Computer Corporation,                            Lutheran Brotherhood
a wholly owned subsidiary of                           (a Minnesota corporation)
SBS Technologies, Inc. (a New Mexico corporation)

 /s/ Philip M. Vukovic 
--------------------------------------
By:  Philip M. Vukovic  9/22/97                      By:  /s/ Clifford W. Habeck
   -----------------------------------                    ------------------------------
                                                          Clifford W. Habeck
Its:  President                                      Its: Vice President
    ----------------------------------                    ------------------------------

</TABLE>


STATE OF MINNESOTA

COUNTY OF HENNEPIN  ss.:

On this 22nd day of September, 1997, personally came before me, a Notary 
Public within and for said County, Philip M. Vukovic and ________________, to 
me well known to be the same persons described in and who executed the 
foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same as their 
free act and deed.

                              /s/ Janet Day
                              --------------------------------
                              Notary Public

                              My commission expires: 1/31/00
                                                    ----------
          [NOTARY SEAL]

STATE OF MINNESOTA

COUNTY OF HENNEPIN  ss.:

On this 23rd day of September, 1997, personally came before me, a Notary 
Public within and for said County, Clifford W. Habeck and ________________, to 
me well known to be the same persons described in and who executed the 
foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same as their 
free act and deed.

                              /s/ Alice P Hertel
                              ------------------------------
                              Notary Public

                              My commission expires: January 31, 2000
                                                     ----------------

          [NOTARY SEAL]

<PAGE>

                                   RIDER TO LEASE
                              DATED SEPTEMBER 5, 1997
                                   BY AND BETWEEN
              LUTHERAN BROTHERHOOD, A MINNESOTA CORPORATION, AS LESSOR
                                        AND
BIT 3 COMPUTER CORPORATION, A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF SBS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.,
                        A NEW MEXICO CORPORATION, AS LESSEE

ARTICLE 42 - BASE RENT
     The following is hereby added to and made a part of Article 2, Base Rent,
     and Article 3, Additional Rent of this Lease:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Period                                  Net Monthly Rent         Total Period Base Rent
     ------                                  ----------------         ----------------------
     <S>                                     <C>                      <C>
     November 1, 1997 through and
     including October 31, 2000              $18,469.00               $  664,884.00

     November 1, 2000 through and
     including October 31, 2002              $20,942.00               $  502,608.00

                                             TOTAL BASE RENT          $1,167,492.00

</TABLE>


ARTICLE 43 - IMPROVEMENTS
     Lessor shall fit-up the Demised Premises as set forth in Exhibit D. Lessor
     is under no obligation to make any structural or other alterations,
     decoration, additions or improvements in or to the Demised Premises except
     as expressly set forth in Exhibit D. By taking occupancy of the Demised
     Premises, Lessee shall be deemed to have acknowledged that Lessor has
     completed all of its obligations for improvements to the Demised Premises,
     subject to the following. Promptly following substantial completion, as
     determined by Lessor, representatives of Lessor and Lessee shall inspect
     the Demised Premises and jointly prepare a punch list of incomplete and
     defective items. Such punch list shall be signed by both parties and Lessor
     shall diligently pursue completion of its punch list items. Lessee shall
     also have thirty (30) days after the Commencement Date to notify Lessor of
     any additional items it has identified that constitute defects in
     construction and materials related to the improvements and Lessor shall
     also repair such items, except in circumstances in which the defect was
     caused by or resulted from the use or damage to the Demised Premises by
     Lessee. Lessor shall also be responsible for repair of any structural
     latent defects not reasonably discoverable upon diligent inspection by
     Lessee, to the extent that the Lessee notifies Lessor thereof within one
     (1) year after the Commencement Date.

ARTICLE 44 - FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO LEASE
     A.   So long as there is no uncured default by Lessee then existing under
          the Lease, Lessee shall have the first right of refusal to lease
          32,197 square feet currently demised as Suite 100 or the 13,822 square
          feet currently demised as Suite 300 in their entirety (the "First
          Opportunity to Lease").

     B.   Upon notification in writing by Lessor that such space is available,
          Lessee shall have five (5) business days in which to elect in writing
          so to lease such space in which event the lease for same shall
          commence not more than thirty (30) days after such space becomes
          vacant and shall be coterminous with this Lease and shall be at the
          Base Rent then in affect under the Lease, unless otherwise agreed
          upon.

     C.   In the event Lessee declines or fails to elect so to lease such space,
          then the First Opportunity to Lease hereby granted shall automatically
          terminate and shall thereafter be null and void as to such space.

     D.   It is understood that this First Opportunity to Lease shall not be
          construed to prevent any lessee in the Building from extending or
          renewing its lease.

<PAGE>

     E.   The First Opportunity to Lease hereby granted is personal to Lessee
          and Guarantor (as defined in Exhibit "F") and is not transferable; in
          the event of any assignment or subletting under this Lease, this First
          Opportunity to Lease shall automatically terminate and shall
          thereafter be null and void.

ARTICLE 45 - OPTION TO EXTEND
     A.   So long as there is no uncured default by Lessee then existing under
          the Lease, Lessee shall have the option to extend the Term of this
          Lease (hereinafter, the "Option") for one consecutive period of
          twenty-four (24) to thirty-six (36) months upon the same terms and
          conditions, except for the Monthly Base Rent shall be $20,623.44 and
          upon the following further terms and conditions.

     B.   Lessee shall exercise said Option only by giving written notice to
          Lessor of its intent to extend not less than nine (9) months prior to
          such termination date.

     C.   It is understood and agreed that this Option is personal to Lessee and
          Guarantor (as defined in Exhibit "F") and is not transferable; in the
          event of any assignment or subleasing of any or all of the Demised
          Premises said Option shall be null and void.

ARTICLE 46 - OPTION TO TERMINATE
     A.   So long as there is no uncured default by Lessee then existing under
          the Lease, Lessee shall have the one time option to terminate the Term
          of this Lease (hereinafter, the "Option to Terminate") at the end of
          the thirty-sixth (36th) month of the lease term and upon the following
          further terms and conditions.

     B.   Lessee can exercise said Option to Terminate only by giving written
          notice to Lessor not later than nine (9) months prior to said
          termination date. Said notice to Lessor must be accompanied by a
          termination fee in the amount of $233,292.25 in certified funds.

     C.   It is understood and agreed that this Option to Terminate is personal
          to Lessee and Guarantor (as defined in Exhibit "F"), and is not
          transferable; in the event of any assignment or subleasing of any or
          all of the Demised Premises said Option to Terminate shall be null and
          void.

ARTICLE 47 - ASSIGNMENT & SUBLETTING
     Any consent required for assignment or subletting shall not be unreasonably
     withheld nor delayed by Lessor. Lessor will have no recapture rights and
     Lessee and Guarantor (as defined in Exhibit "F") shall retain any and all
     profits. Lessee and Guarantor (as defined in Exhibit "F") shall have the
     right to sublet or assign to a parent or, subsidiary or affiliate of equal
     or greater net worth throughout the lease term, without the Lessor's
     consent. In the event of a subletting or assignment, Lessee and Guarantor
     (as defined in Exhibit "F") shall remain fully responsible for the
     performance of all obligations hereunder throughout the term of the Lease.

ARTICLE 48 - HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
     To the best of Lessor's knowledge, there are no Hazardous Substances
     presently located in, on or under the real property commonly described as
     Oakview Business Center I and II (the "Property") and such knowledge is
     based solely on the Phase I report currently in Lessee's possession
     prepared by Nova Environmental Services and dated November 16, 1995. The
     term "Hazardous Substances" as used in this Lease shall mean pollutants,
     contaminants, toxic or hazardous wastes, or any other substances, the
     removal of which is required or the use of which is restricted, prohibited
     or penalized by and "Environmental Law", which term shall mean any federal,
     state or local law or ordinance relating to pollution or protection of the
     environment. Lessee hereby agrees that (i) no activity will be conducted on
     the Demised Premises that will produce any Hazardous Substance, except for
     such activities that are part of the ordinary course of Lessee's business
     activities (the "Permitted Activities") provided said Permitted Activities
     are conducted in accordance with all Environmental Laws and have been
     approved in advance in writing by Lessor; (ii) the Demised Premises will
     not be used in any manner for the storage of any Hazardous Substances
     except for the temporary storage of such materials that are used in the
     ordinary course of Lessee's business (the "Permitted Material") provided
     such Permitted Materials are properly stored in a manner and location
     meeting all Environmental Laws and approved in advance in writing by
     Lessor; (iii) no portion of the

<PAGE>

     Demised Premises will be used as a landfill or a dump; (iv) Lessee will not
     install any underground tanks of any type; (v) Lessee will not allow any
     surface or subsurface conditions to exist or to come into existence that
     constitute, or with the passage of time may constitute, a public or private
     nuisance; (vi) Lessee will not permit any Hazardous Substances to be
     brought onto the Demised Premises, except for the Permitted Materials
     described above, and if so brought or found located thereon the same shall
     be immediately removed, with proper disposal, and all required cleanup
     procedures shall be diligently undertaken pursuant to all Environmental
     Laws. If at any time during or after the term of this Lease, the Demised
     Premises is found to be so contaminated, or subject to said conditions,
     solely by action or inaction of Lessee, its agents, employees, contractors
     or invitees, Lessee agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Lessor harmless
     from all claims, demands, actions, liabilities, costs, expenses, damages
     and obligations or any nature arising from or as a result of the use of the
     Demised Premises by Lessee. The foregoing indemnification shall survive the
     termination or expiration of this Lease, but the foregoing indemnification
     shall not apply to (a) any action or inaction of Lessor, its agents,
     employees, contractors or other third parties acting at the direction of or
     with the permission of Lessor; or (b) Hazardous Substances originating on
     property not owned by Lessor adjacent to the Property; or (c) any action or
     inaction of any other Lessee of the Property.

     Lessor shall indemnify, defend and hold Lessee harmless from and against
     any and all loss, damage, expense or cost, including all attorney's fees
     incurred in connection with the defense of any court action or
     administrative proceeding against the Lessee, arising out of Lessor's
     breach of any of the terms set forth in this Article 48. This Article shall
     survive the expiration or termination of this Lease for the benefit of
     Lessee and any successors and assigns of this Lease.

ARTICLE 49 - ADA

     Lessee shall be responsible for ADA requirements and regulations within the
     Demised Premises. The Lessor shall be responsible for ADA requirements and
     regulations for all non-tenant spaces and common areas of the Building.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Lessee:                                                     Lessor:
<S>                                                         <C>
Bit 3 Computer Corporation,                                 Lutheran Brotherhood
a wholly owned subsidiary of SBS Technologies, Inc.         (a Minnesota corporation)
(a New Mexico corporation)

By: /s/ Philip M. Vukovic                                   By: /s/ Clifford W. Habeck
   ----------------------------------                          --------------------------------
                                                                    Clifford Habeck

Its: President  9/22/97                                     Its:    Vice President
    ---------------------------------                           -------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                                     EXHIBIT "B"

                                     [FLOOR PLAN]


<PAGE>
                                     Exhibit C
                           Building Rules and Regulations

     l. Any sign, lettering, picture, notice, or advertisement installed on or
in any part of the Premises and visible from the exterior of the Premises shall
be installed at Lessee's sole cost and expense, and in such manner, character,
and style as Lessor may approve in advance in writing. In the event of a
violation of the foregoing by Lessee, Lessor may remove the same without any
liability and may charge the expense incurred by such removal to Lessee.

     2. No awning or other projection shall be attached to the outside walls of
the Office-Warehouse Complex. No curtains, blinds, shades, or screens visible
from the exterior of the Premises shall be attached to or hung in, or used in
connection with any window or door of the Premises without the prior written
consent of Landlord. Such curtains, blinds, shades, screens, or other fixtures
must be of a quality, type, design, and color and attached in the manner
approved in advance by Lessor.

     3. Lessee, its servants, employees, customers, invitees, and guests
shall not obstruct sidewalks, entrances, passages, corridors, vestibules, or
halls in and about the Office-Warehouse Complex which are used in common with
other tenants and their servants, employees, customers, guests and invitees,
and which are not a part of the Premises of Lessee.

     4. Lessee shall not make excessive noises, cause disturbances or
vibrations, or use or operate any electrical or mechanical devices that emit
excessive sound or other waves or disturbances or create obnoxious odors, any of
which may be offensive to the other tenants and occupants of the
Office-Warehouse Complex.

     5. Lessee assumes full responsibility for protecting its space from theft,
robbery, and pilferage; which includes keeping doors locked and other means of
entry to the Premises closed and secured after normal business hours.

     6. In no event shall Lessee bring into the Office-Warehouse Complex
inflammables, such as gasoline, kerosene, naptha, and benzine, or explosives or
any other article of intrinsically dangerous nature. If, by reason of the
failure of Lessee to comply with the provisions of this subparagraph, any
insurance premium for all or any part of the Office-Warehouse Complex shall at
any time be increased, Lessee shall be required to make immediate payment of the
whole of the increased insurance premiums.

     7. The water and wash closets, drinking fountains and other plumbing
fixtures shall not be used for any purpose other than those for which they were
constructed, and no sweepings, rubbish, rags, coffee grounds, or other
substances shall be thrown therein. All damages resulting from any misuse of the
fixtures shall be borne by the Lessee who, or in whose servants, employees,
agents, visitors, or licensees, shall have caused the same. No person shall
waste water by interfering or tampering with the faucets or otherwise.

     8. Lessee shall keep the Premises at a temperature sufficiently high to
prevent freezing of water in pipes and fixtures.

     9. The outside areas immediately adjoining the Premises shall be kept clean
by Tenant and Tenant shall not place or permit any obstructions or merchandise
in such areas.

     10. The use of parking shall be subject to reasonable regulations as
Landlord may promulgate from time to time uniformly to all lessees. Lessee
agrees that it will not use more than its prescribed number of stalls at any one
time, and will not use or permit the use by its employees of the parking area
for the overnight storage of automobiles or other vehicles. There will not be
any assigned exclusive parking spaces available to any tenant of the building
except with prior, written consent of the Lessor.

     11. Lessee and its servants, employees, agents, visitors, and licensees
shall observe faithfully and comply strictly with the foregoing rules and
regulations and such other and further appropriate rules and regulations as
Landlord or its agent may from time to time adopt. Lessor shall give written
notice of any additional rules and regulations.

     12. Lessor reserves the right at any time and from time to time as
reasonably necessary to rescind, alter, or waive, in whole or in part, any of
these Rules and Regulations when it is deemed necessary, desirable, or proper,
in Lessor's reasonable judgment, for its best interest or for the best interest
of the tenants of the Office-Warehouse Complex.

<PAGE>

                                     EXHIBIT D

I.    DEFINITIONS

      "Lessee's Improvement Allowance" means $350,000.00

      "Lessor's Improvements" means all improvements, alterations and
      installations shown in the Plans.

      "Plans" means the plans and specifications for the Lessor's Improvements
      to be completed in the Demised Premises by Lessor, a copy of which is
      attached hereto.

      "Price" means the bid or quotation for Lessor's Improvements submitted by
      Lessor to Lessee and approved by Lessee as adjusted pursuant to Article
      IV.

II.   CONSTRUCTION OF LESSOR'S IMPROVEMENTS

      A.      Lessor shall be fully responsible for all matters that must be
      accomplished to perform, furnish and completely install the Lessor's
      Improvements (in operating condition to manufacturer's specifications, if
      applicable) in accordance with provisions herein and in the Lease. Lessor
      shall use its best efforts to complete Lessor's Improvements on or before
      October 31, 1997. Lessor's obligations hereunder shall include furnishing
      all labor, materials and equipment; filing plans and other required
      documentation with the proper governmental authorities; demolishing all
      existing improvements as necessary; securing all necessary permits;
      supervising all details of construction; obtaining the certificate of
      occupancy; engaging and supervising all contractors and subcontractors;
      removing debris from the Demised Premises caused by Lessor's trades;
      obtaining insurance coverage, and providing utility and building
      services. Lessee shall have the right to inspect Lessor's Improvements as
      they are being installed and to require Lessor to correct, at Lessor's
      expense, any aspect of lessor's Improvements that have not been installed
      in compliance with the Plans or agreed upon changes.

      B.      Lessee shall not be liable for any injury to persons (including
      death) or damage to property within the building during performance of
      Lessor's Improvement work, unless caused by the active negligence or
      willful misconduct of Lessee, its employees, agents, or contractors.
      Lessor will indemnify and save Lessee harmless from, and defend it against
      any such liability, and any costs or charges (including reasonable
      attorney's fees and court costs) which Lessee may incur on account of any
      such injury, death or damage. Lessor shall carry commercial general
      liability insurance which shall include coverage of the foregoing
      contractual liability.

      C.      Lessee shall not be responsible for any expenses relating to
      abatement with respect to any existing Hazardous Substances (as defined in
      Article 48) in the Demised Premises.

III.  PRICING LESSOR'S IMPROVEMENTS

      A.      Lessor shall obtain competitive bids for Lessor's Improvements,
      including bids from one fully licensed, bonded and insured general
      contractor selected by Lessee. (Subsequent changes shall be priced in
      accordance with Article IV below.)

      B.      Lessor will submit all bids obtained for Lessor's Work to Lessee
      with an indication of Lessor's intent to contract with a particular
      general contractor. Lessee will have five (5) days in which to provide
      Lessor with written notice objecting to Lessor's decision, and in the
      event such objection is made, Lessee shall indicate the basis of such
      objection. In the event Lessor and Lessee cannot agree to a resolution
      within five (5) days following Lessee's notice of objection, Lessee will
      be required to notify Lessor that either Lessor may proceed and Lessee
      will waive such objection, or that Lessee has elected to contract for all
      of Lessor's work and Lessor will provide Lessee with payment of Lessor's
      Improvement Allowance upon completion of the work as evidenced by paid
      invoices accompanied by lien waivers from Lessee's contractor. In the
      event Lessee elects the latter option, Lessee will be bound by the same
      terms and conditions of Exhibit D to Lessor, as if Lessor had performed
      the work.


<PAGE>

IV.   CHANGES

      A.      From time to time, Lessee may make changes to the Plans or request
      changes to Lessor's Improvements already installed.

      B.      Within five (5) business days after Lessee notifies Lessor of the
      change or request thereof, Lessor shall submit to Lessee in writing an
      analysis of the additional charges or savings involved, and the period of
      time, if any, that the change will materially and adversely affect the
      completion of Lessor's Improvements. If the additional construction costs
      resulting from changes approved by Lessee cause the Price to exceed the
      Lessee's Improvement Allowance, Lessee shall pay the excess as provided
      in Article V. In the event such changes delay the Commencement Date, the
      Expiration Date of the Lease will be extended by the same amount of days
      that the Commencement Date was delayed, but in any event the Expiration
      Date shall occur on the last day of a month.

      C.      If Lessee shall fail to approve in writing the proposal made by
      Lessor pursuant to Paragraph B above within three (3) business days
      following receipt thereof, the same shall be deemed disapproved in all
      respects by Lessee and Lessor shall not make the change. If Lessee
      approves in writing the additional charges or savings, if any, Lessor
      shall cause the approved changes to be made. All savings or additional
      charges shall be substantiated to Lessee's reasonable satisfaction.

V.    PAYMENT OF THE PRICE

      A.   Lessor and Lessee shall pay the Price as follows:

           (1)   If the price does not exceed Lessee's Improvement Allowance,
           Lessor shall pay all of the Price. Any unused allowance shall be
           amortized using five (5%) percent annual interest rate and the
           lesser of sixty (60) monthly payments or the remaining lease term
           and applied as a credit to reduce the monthly Base Rent under the
           Lease.

           (2)   If the Price exceeds Lessee's Improvement Allowance, Lessee
           shall pay, subject to any reasonable retainage based on the punch
           list, the excess within ten (10) days after completion and receipt
           of written certification by Lessor's architect that Lessor's
           Improvements have been completed in compliance with the provisions
           of the Lease, including this Exhibit D. Lessor agrees that
           acceptance of final payment is a waiver and release of Lessee from
           any further claims under this Exhibit D.

           (3)   Lessor shall, or shall cause its general contractor to pay
           everyone who has worked on Lessor's Improvements the full amount due
           each under its respective contract with Lessor or its general
           contractor.

           (4)   Lessor shall maintain a reasonable accounting of all costs of
           the improvements which will be submitted to the Lessee at the
           completion of the work and the Lessee will have the right, with
           prior written notice to Lessor, to review the progress or the work
           and costs at the offices of the general contractor.


<PAGE>

                                      EXHIBIT E

                                    SIGN CRITERIA

                               OAKVIEW BUSINESS CENTER
                             1284 CORPORATE CENTER DRIVE
                                 1325 EAGANDALE COURT
                                   EAGAN, MN 55121



1.    TENANT IDENTIFICATION SIGNAGE: Tenant will be allowed a maximum of 15
      individual letters to be mounted on a solid colored sign band, color to
      match the accent color on the building. Letters shall be a maximum 12"
      height, be white in color, and be Helvetica or Optima type style.

2.    FRONT DOOR SIGN: Tenant will be allowed to install one 2' x 4' sign to
      the right side of the primary entrance door. Size and style of type used
      for tenant name and address may be at tenant's discretion. Field color of
      sign panel shall match the accent color band on the building and
      lettering shall be white.

3.    MONUMENT SIGN: Tenant shall be allowed to install one line of type on the
      monument sign facing Corporate Center Drive. Lettering shall match the
      type style and color used for Office Plan and shall be no larger than 4"
      height.

4.    DOCK SIGNS: Tenant identification signs will be allowed above each
      overhead dock or drive in door and on one walk-in man door. Sign placards
      shall be a maximum 8" high x 24" long, be the same color as the accent
      color on the building, have maximum 4" white lettering, and shall be
      glued to the building. Signage mounted directly to the man door shall be
      maximum 2" high white vinyl lettering.

5.    No signage may be erected until a scaled layout has been approved by the
      Lessor.

6.    All letters and signage shall be non-illuminated.



<PAGE>


                                      EXHIBIT F

                                  GUARANTY OF LEASE

1.    GUARANTY
      SBS Technologies, Inc., a New Mexico corporation, ("Guarantor"), whose
address is 2400 Louisiana Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87110, as a
material inducement to and in consideration of Lutheran Brotherhood ("Lessor")
entering into a written lease (the "Lease") with Bit 3 Computer Corporation
("Lessee"), dated the same date as this Guaranty, unconditionally guarantees and
promises to and for the benefit of Lessor that Lessee shall perform the
provisions of the Lease that Lessee is to perform. If, at any time, default
shall be made by Lessee in the performance or observance of any of the terms,
covenants or conditions in the Lease contained on the Lessee's part to be kept,
performed or observed, the Guarantor will keep, perform and observe the same, as
the case may be, in place and stead of the Lessee.

      If the Lease shall be renewed, or its term extended, or if the Lessee
holds over beyond the term of the Lease, the obligations hereunder of Guarantor
shall extend and apply with respect to the full and faithful performance and
observance of all of the covenants, terms, and conditions of the Lease and of
any such modification thereof.

2.    INDEPENDENT OBLIGATIONS
      If there is more than one guarantor, Guarantor's obligations are joint
and several with those of any other guarantor and are independent of Lessee's
obligations. A separate action may be brought or prosecuted against the
Guarantor whether the actions brought or prosecuted against any other Guarantor
or Lessee, or all, or whether any other Guarantor or Lessee, or all, are joined
in the action.

3.    CHANGES TO LEASE
      The provisions of the Lease may be changed by written agreement between
Lessor and Lessee at any time, with the consent of Guarantor. This Guaranty
shall guarantee the performance of the Lease as changed. Assignment of the Lease
(as may be permitted by the Lease) shall not affect this Guaranty.

4.    SECURITY FOR LESSEE'S PERFORMANCE
      The obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall not be released by
Lessor's receipt, application or release of security given for Lessee's
performance and observance of covenants and conditions in the Lease; nor by any
modification of such Lease, but in case of any such modification, the liability
of Guarantor shall be deemed modified in accordance with the terms of such
modification of the Lease.

5.    LESSEE'S ABILITY TO PERFORM
      Guarantor assumes full responsibility for keeping fully informed of the
financial condition of Lessee and all other circumstances affecting Lessee's
ability to perform its obligations to Lessor, and agrees that Lessor shall have
no duty to report to any Guarantor any information which Lessor receives about
Lessee's financial condition or any circumstances bearing on Lessee's ability to
perform.

6.    DELAY
      This Guaranty shall not be affected by Lessor's failure or delay to
enforce any of its rights.

7.    NOTICE OF LESSEE DEFAULT
      Lessor agrees to give Guarantor ten (10) days written notice of any
breach or default by Lessee, which notice shall be deemed delivered twenty-four
(24) hours after the same is deposited in the United States mail, postage
prepaid, addressed to Guarantor at the address set forth above.




<PAGE>

8.    DEFAULT
      If Lessee defaults under the Lease, Lessor may proceed immediately
against Guarantor or Lessee, or both, subject to any existing cure period Lessee
is entitled to under the Lease or Lessor may enforce against Guarantor or
Lessee, or both, any rights that it has under the Lease, or pursuant to
applicable laws, but if Lessor chooses to proceed against both, such proceeding
need not be simultaneous but can be against Guarantor after proceeding against
Lessee or vice versa. If the lease terminates and Lessor has any rights it can
enforce against Lessee after termination, Lessor can enforce those rights
against Guarantor without giving previous notice to Lessee or Guarantor, or
without making any demand on either of them.

9.    WAIVER OF DEFENSES
      Guarantor hereby waives the right to require Lessor to (a) proceed
against Lessee (except as otherwise provided herein); (b) proceed against or
exhaust any security that Lessor holds from Lessee; or (c) pursue any other
remedy in Lessor's power. Until all of Lessee's obligations to Lessor have been
discharged in full, Guarantor has no right to subrogation against Lessee.
Guarantor waives its right to enforce any remedies that Lessor now has, or later
may have, against Lessee. Guarantor waives any right to participate in any
security now or later held by Lessor. Guarantor waives all presentments,
protests, notices of protest, notices of dishonor and notices of acceptance of
this Guaranty, and except as otherwise provided herein waives all notice of the
existence, creation, or incurring of the new or additional obligations.

      The liability of Guarantor hereunder shall in no way be affected by (a)
the release or discharge of the Lessee in any bankruptcy, receivership or other
proceedings; (b) the impairment, limitation or modification of the liability of
Lessee or the estate of Lessee in bankruptcy, or of any remedy for the
enforcement of Lessee's said liability under the Lease, resulting from the
operation of any present or future provision of the bankruptcy laws or other
statutes or from the decisions of any court; (c) the rejection or disaffirmance
of the Lease in any proceeding; (d) the assignment or transfer of the Lease by
Lessee; (e) any disability or other defense of Lessee; or (f) the cessation from
any cause whatsoever of the liability of Lessee.

10.   ATTORNEY'S FEES
      If Lessor is required to enforce Guarantor's obligations by legal
proceeding, Guarantor shall pay to Lessor all costs incurred, including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and costs of suits.

11.   ASSIGNMENT
      This Guaranty may be assigned and/or pledged without Guarantor's prior
consent and shall inure to the benefit of any successor in interest of Lessor.
Guarantor's obligations under this Guaranty shall be binding on Guarantor's
successors and legal representatives.

12.   SEVERABILITY
      The enforceability, invalidity or illegality of any provision shall not
render the other provisions unenforceable, invalid or illegal.

13.   STATE LAW
      The Lease and this Guaranty shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Minnesota.


<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Guarantor has hereunto set his hand this 19th 
day of Sept, 1997.

                                    Guarantor:
                                    SBS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
                                    (a New Mexico corporation)

                                    By: /s/ Steve Cooper
                                       --------------------------------

                                    Its: President & COO
                                        -------------------------------

STATE OF CA             )
                        ) ss.
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO     )

On this the 19th day of Sept, 1997, before me, Julie Ann Shannon, the 
undersigned notary Public, personally appeared Steve Cooper, personally known 
to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person 
whose name is subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged that he 
executed it.

WITNESS my hand and official seal.


/s/ Julie Ann Shannon
------------------------------
Notary Public


                                        [NOTARY PUBLIC SEAL]